The Peculiar Tale of the Tentacle Boy

When Marina discovers a boy with a head of tentacles and crab claws for hands, she resolves to help him unravel the mystery of his past ... 'Charming and delightful ... a whimsical adventure story stuffed to the flippers with fish puns and fun.' SAM SEDGMAN, CO-AUTHOR OF THE ADVENTURES ON TRAINS SERIES'Crammed to the gills with everything I want in a middle-grade book ...

I was swept right into the vivid world of Merlington and adored the larger-than-life characters deftly drawn in technicolour - they sing from the pages!' JASBINDER BILAN, AUTHOR OF ASHA & THE SPIRIT BIRDMarina lives in Merlington, a fish-obsessed seaside town. Unfortunately, she doesn't care for fish; she loves telling stories. Marina finds her best story yet when she explores the ruined, haunted pier: a boy called William with a head of tentacles and crab claws for hands.

He has lived on the pier all his life, cared for by a fisherman who has since disappeared and who warned him always to remain hidden. Together, the pair resolve to unravel the mystery of his past - but danger isn't far away ... The debut novel by Richard Pickard, a fresh new voice in children's fiction and winner of the Times/Chicken House Chairman's Choice Award 2019.

A funny, dark, core middle-grade story touching on themes of lies, storytelling, secrets, acceptance and, of course, fish! Perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events and Edward Scissorhands!